NHS Borders cancelled all scheduled routine operations until the end of next week due to pressure on services.NHS Lothian said increased levels of staff sickness, combined with holidays and those having to self isolate, led to a “significant reduction” in nurses and midwives in the previous two months.This, along with “unprecedented demand” has caused longer waiting times, particularly in the emergency department.This is behind the decision to postpone procedures to enable clinic and theatre staff to be redeployed where they are most needed.Other measures taken to address staffing problems include offering staff more shifts, and bringing in around 460 new nurses who are expected to start in the next two months as well as extra.